Carriage-top.



PATENTED MAY 7, 1907.

RA. HAWES. CARRIAGE TOP.

APPLIOATION FILED APE.30,1906.

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UNITED STATES PATENT @FFTCE.

CARRIAGE-TOP- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May '7, 1907.

Application filed April 30, 1906. Serial No. 314,486.

To a. whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HERBERT A. HAwEs, a citizen of the United States, residing at Goldwater, in the county of Branch and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Carriage-Tops, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in carriage tops. It relates particularly to improvements in storm curtains or fronts therefor.

The objects of this invention are, first, to provide in a carriage top an improved storm curtain which may be very quickly and easily attached and at the same time one which, when attached, is very secure. Second, to provide in a carriage top an improved curtain which may be rolled up and secured in a roll while still attached to the top. Third, to provide an improved curtain for carriage tops which may be adjusted to carriage tops of varying sizes. Fourth, to provide in a storm curtain or front for carriage tops, an improved rein opening which does not weaken the structure and one from which the water is effectively excluded.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification. The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification, in which Figure 1 is a perspective View of a carriage top embodying the features of my invention. Fig. 2 is a plan of my improved storm curtain or front for carriage tops eX- tended, one corner being rolled up to show the relation of the strap 1) thereto. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail of the rein opening, portions being broken away to show structural details. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-section taken on a line 4-l of Fig. 1, showing the means of securing the bottom of the apron to the dash. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail section taken on a line corresponding to line 55 of Fig. 2, showing structural details of the securing clamp and its relation to the carriage top. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section taken on a line corresponding to line 66 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an enlarged. perspective of the buckle member E. In the drawing the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines, and similar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawing, the carriage top A is of the usual bow top construction. The curtain or storm front B is secured at its upper end to the front bow a of the top by clamps E, the clamps E engaging the top and bottom of the bow. The clamps are preferable Ushaped in form and are provided with clamping bolts e arranged through the two arms. Winged nuts 6 are provided for the bolts, these nuts being preferably on the under side of the clamp, so that they are conveniently reached In the upper edge of the curtain is a rod made up of sections 1) and (Z which are telescopically arranged. The central section D is tubular to receive the end sections (Z. The end sections (1 are curved to fit the curved portions of the top. The clamps E are preferably secured to the central tubular section D by means of the clips E which are riveted to the clamps. (See Fig. 5.) This arrangement secures the upper edge of the curtain under the top when the clamps are in position, so that there is no opportunity for the water to drip inside of the curtain. If desired the curtain may be rolled up while still attached to the top, and secured within the top by the straps F.

I preferably provide a special form of buckle for the strap, consisting of a curved arm E projecting inwardly from the clamp, having an opening m therein and a rigid tongue m. This arm being rigid, prevents the rolled, curtain from flapping back and forth, and also makes it possible to secure the strap very conveniently with one hand, the buckle being held in fixed relation and the tongue being rigid.

The lower end of the curtain is adapted to pass down outside of the dash. board of the carriage, and is secured to the dash board as A by the strap G which is buckled around the same. (See Fig. 4.) This strap is preferably secured to the curtain by suitable rivets g.

The sides of the curtain are also preferably provided with straps 1) adapted to be buckled around the front bows of the carriage at each side. This arrangement of parts secures the curtain to the top very securely and at the same time permits ready attachment or detachment, as may be desired.

A pair of rein openings h are formed in proper position in the curtain. A reinforcing piece H is provided for these openings. The two rein openings are separated by a strip h, so that after the reins are inserted in the openings it is impossible for them to become twisted outside of the curtain. A rein supporting rod J is secured across the openings to form a rest and support for the reins. This rod is preferably formed of wire and has eyes j turned in its ends, which are engaged by the clips j by which the rod is secured in position. The rein supporting rod J prevents wear of the curtain and also reduces the liability of tearing the curtain to a minimum. The rod also prevents the sagging of the curtain at this point from the weight of the lines.

The rein openings 7L are provided with a flap I which is secured at its upper edge and hangs down over the opening, fully protecting the same.

As before stated, my improved curtain or storm front may be quickly attached and is held very securely in position; the upper edge being held under the top, eflectively prevents the water running from the top within the curtain. It is evident that, as stated, it is adjustable to tops of different Widths. A further advantage is that it may be very conveniently rolled up out of the way when not in use without the necessity of removing it from the top.

I have illustrated and described my improved carriage top in detail in the form preferred by me on account of its structural simplicity and economy. I am, however, aware that it is capable of considerable variation in structural details without departing from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is V 1. The combination with a bow carriage top, of a curtain; a rod consisting of a central tubular section and curved end sections telescopically arranged therein, to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; clamps consisting of U-shaped clamp members and clamping bolts arranged therethrough, adapted to engage the front bow of the top, secured to the said tubular section of said rod; straps carried by said clamps; and inwardly projecting curved arms carried by said clamps, having openings therein adapted to receive said straps, and rigid buckle tongues thereon, for the purpose specified.

2. The combination with a bow carriage top, of a curtain; a rod consisting of a central tubular section and curved end sections telescopically arranged therein, to which the upper edge of said curtain issecured; and clamps consisting of U-shaped clamp members and clamping bolts arranged therethrough, adapted to engage the front bow of the top, secured to the said tubular section of said rod, for the purpose specified.

3. The combination with a bow carriage top, of a curtain; a rod consisting of a cen tral tubular section and curved end sections telescopically arranged therein, to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; clamps adapted to engage the front bow of the top, secured to the said tubular section of said rod; straps carried by said clamps; and inwardly projecting curved arms carried by said clamps, having openings therein adapted to receive said straps, and rigid buckle tongues thereon, for the purpose specified.

4. The combination with a bow carriage top, of a curtain; 'a rod consisting of a cen tral tubular section and curved end sections telescopically arranged therein, to which the u 'per edge of said curtain is secured; and 0 amps adapted to engage the front bow of the top, secured to the said tubular section of said rod, for the purpose specified.

5. The combination with a bow carriage top, of a curtain; a rod to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; clamps consisting of U-shaped clamp members and clamping bolts arranged therethrough, adapted to engage the front bow of the top, secured to said rod; straps carried by said clamps; and inwardly projecting downwardly curved arms carried by said clamps, having openings therein adapted to receive said straps, and rigid buckle tongues thereon, for the purpose specified.

6. The combination with a bow carriage top, of a curtain; a rod made up of telescoping sections to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; clamps consisting of U-shaped clamping-members secured to the central section of said rod and clampingbolts arranged therethrough adapted to engage the front bow of the top, for the purpose specified.

7. The combination with a bow carriage top, of a curtain; a rod made up of telescoping sections to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; and clamps secured to the central section of said rod, adapted to be engaged upon the front bow of the top, for the porpose specified.

8. The combination with a carriage top, of a curtain; a rod to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; clamps for securing said rod, consisting of U-shaped clamp members and clamping bolts arranged there through, secured to said rod; straps carried by said clamps; and inwardly projecting downwardly curved arms carried by said clamps, having openings therein adapted to receive said straps, and rigid buckle tongues thereon, for the purpose specified.

9. The combination with a carriage top, of a curtain; a rod to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; clamps for securing said rod to the front bow of a carriage top; straps carried by said clamps; inwardly projecting arms carried by said clamps, having openings therein adapted to receive said straps and rigid buckle tongues thereon, for the purpose specified.

10. The combination with a carriage top, of a curtain; a rod to which the upper edge of said curtain is secured; clamps for securing said rod to the carriage top; straps and buckles carried by said clamps for supporting said curtain when furled.

11. A carriage top having a pair of reinopenings formed therein; a reinforcing piece for said openings; a rein rest or supporting rod arranged across said openings, 'formed of wire turned into eyes at each end; and clips arranged to engage said eyes for securing said rod in position.

12. A carriage top having a rein-opening formed therein; a reinforcing piece for said opening; a rein rest or supporting rod arranged across said opening, formed of wire turned into eyes at each end; and clips arranged to engage said eyes for securing said rod in posit-ion.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two wit- 

